Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has declined to grant bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that his application was filed prematurely.
Bello, along with two co-defendants, is facing charges of alleged N110 billion money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering the ruling, Justice Anenih stated that the application, dated November 22, was filed before Bello was in custody or arraigned before the court, rendering it incompetent. The judge cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulate that bail applications can only be made after a defendant has been arrested, detained, or brought before the court.
Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.
In contrast, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, setting bail at ₦300 million with stringent conditions.
The conditions include two sureties owning property in Maitama valued at not less than the bond amount, submission of original title documents, and a deposition of affidavits of means. Oricha is to remain in custody until all bail conditions are met.
The case underscores judicial adherence to procedural guidelines in criminal trials.
